A Utah veterinarian is struggling with the fallout of secretly curing a sick dog after its owner asked for it to be put down.

In November, Dr. Mary Smart was approached by the Coates family with Zoey, a boxer suffering from seizures and a large tumor on her side, according to KSL.

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When the Coates family asked for the dog to be put down, Smart accepted. The family left with a receipt showing $215 for Zoey's euthanasia and cremation.

Six months later, the family's mother, Tawny Coates, discovered her dog on a rescue Facebook page for boxers. Zoey's name had been changed to Miss Frankie and the 9-year-old pup had been put up for adoption.

"In my professional opinion, this was a dog that had years to live and I didn't want to put the dog down," Smart told KSL. "I was trying to save its life."

Smart said she discussed options to save Zoey with the Croates father, Larry, such as surgery or medication, but claims Croates wasn't open to any suggestions and insisted the dog should be put down.

Larry Coates called Smart's claim a "complete falsehood" and said the veterinarian never gave him any other options.

The money for Zoey's cremation went to curing the dog. Smart admitted to KSL she should have confessed to the family, but had her reservations.

"Had I any inkling that they might at all be interested in having the dog back, I would have for sure called," Smart said. "But after my conversation with Mr. Coates, it just seemed very obvious to me that they didn't want the dog."